The First Persian Empire

Short History Of...

Noiser

History

4.8 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 23 June 2024

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

For a little over 200 years, the First Persian Empire ruled over a vast expanse across three continents, making it arguably the world’s first great superpower. At its peak, it stretched from its base in Persia - roughly analogous to modern-day Iran, all the way to India in the East, incorporating swathes of Central Asia, Egypt, Libya and Iraq. It also conquered ancient powers such as Pharaonic Egypt, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Altogether, it ruled an area that now comprises some twenty nation-states. But from where did it spring, and how did it establish such formidable power? Who were its leaders? And what led to its decline, completed with such ferocity by Alexander the Great? This is a Short History Of… The First Persian Empire. A Noiser production, written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Dr Christopher Farrell, assistant professor of Greek History and Culture at University College Dublin. Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	One two three.
0:01.0	Shik your body down.
0:03.0	One two three.
0:05.0	Thanks to Fever tree making a delicious Mejito is as easy as one two three.
0:12.0	Ice. I said two, three. Ice, rum, fever tree mohito mixer and stir. A perfect
0:19.8	mojito as simple as. Just steps new cocktail mixes from Fever Tree as easy as one two
0:28.0	three please enjoy responsibly it's dusk in January 330,
0:34.8	a cool evening in Perseus, the ceremonial capital of the Accuminate Empire,
0:40.7	better known today as the first Persian Empire in a mountainous region of
0:46.2	modern southwest Iran. A mother and her young son are sprinting through a labyrinth of alleyways between the vast sea of tents, which normally houses thousands of royal courtiers. In the distance she can hear shouting and
1:05.8	screaming. Thunderous voices, bellow orders in a language she does not recognize.
1:14.4	Every now and again, there are thumping crashes,
1:18.0	like buildings being torn from their foundations,
1:21.4	set against the unmistakable crackle of flames.
1:24.8	The boy whimpers as she pulls him along and she hushes him urgently.
1:31.6	Silence is imperative.
1:38.8	Keeping low, they pass the vast royal terrace, one of the most spectacular sites in the entire empire.
1:46.7	Towering over them on a raised platform is the gargantuan limestone throne hall. part of the complex of ceremonial buildings at the city's heart.
1:57.0	Framed by lush climbing gardens, spectacular soaring staircases ascend to a gate guarded by statues of winged bulls with human heads.
2:08.0	Beyond that is the magnificently decorated royal audience hall, big enough for 10,000.
2:14.6	It's cedar roof supported by 36 columns.
2:18.2	It's a sort of paradise.
	...

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